If you have not been to an N.C. State baseball game this season, you may be missing out on witnessing some great talent for the future of N.C. State and baseball in general.
Sophomore catcher Brett Austin came to State last year as one of the top high school players in the country after a sensational career at Providence High School.
In his first season in Raleigh, Austin started in each of his 62 appearances. He enjoyed a 23-game hitting streak, the longest of the year for N.C. State, and provided the game-winning two-run single to left field in the seventh inning of State’s 3-1 win against North Carolina. He was selected in the supplemental first round – the 54th pick overall – by the San Diego Padres in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.
Since beginning his second season with the Pack, Austin has grown into a leader on the field. Austin is batting .339 (No. 21 in the ACC), 38 hits (No. 8 in ACC), 14 doubles (No. 1 in the ACC) and 16 RBI’s.
After a tough 8-5 loss against UNC-Greensboro March 19, Technician was able to catch up with Austin about life as a student-athlete.
When did you start playing baseball?
“Ever since I could walk, probably about 3 or 4 years old. I started T-ball like everyone else. Actually, my dad started throw ing to me, and he didn’t want me hitting off the tee. I started with that and worked my way up”.
What did you do differently to prep for this season versus what you were doing before college?
“Worked my butt off out at the Cape. I worked out a lot more — about every day — and tried to get in the best shape I could while I was up there . . . . I worked smarter instead of harder and worked on catching as much as I could, focusing on being the best defensive catcher. And with my swing, I tried to shorten my swing the best I could, just having a good approach and having a plan and sticking to it.”
What are some of the challenges for you as a student athlete?
“Class, you know, it sucks. Class is class, you know? You have to get up and go to it. You have to stay as structured as you can and as disciplined as you can. Getting up early after late games can be hard, but you’ve got to do it. It just comes with [the job].”
What does your routine for a normal game day consist of?
“Before the game I like to listen to some music, get a little pumped up. I like to go out early because it takes me forever to get warmed up. I stretch a lot, go down to the cages, hit a little extra, go hit, take batting practice and stretch out again — and then it’s game time.”
Can you describe your teammates?
“We have a good group of guys here, with a lot of talent as well. Good freshman players too. I think the team chemistry is good. We all get along, have fun and play hard. I think it is just a great group of guys to be around.”
Other than Doak, what is your favorite ballpark to play at?
“Clemson, that environment and Florida State: Those two go hand in hand. That environment is pretty hostile. It is fun to play and you look forward to those weekend series — those two are definitely the most fun.”
Brett Austin and the Wolfpack take on East Carolina tonight in Greenville. The next home game is 6 p.m. Wednesday at Doak Field against Elon University.
